Path to a Glorious New Year!

Here is one of the many lighted paths at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Their holiday luminaria festival is a perfect way to celebrate walking into the New Year! I hope that your 2021 path is colorful and beautifully illuminated! HAPPY NEW YEAR! 
 

A Very Welcome Sign!

Wow - I don't know what to ask first -- WHEN can you start? or WHAT will you fix first? 

Our country has serious problems that require wisdom, empathy, and fortitude to tackle. We start 2021 with a new year, a new president, and a new plan. Let's work together to get America healthy and working again! Masks & Vaccines - yay! 

 

If you believe in Santa....

For more than 60 years the North American Aerospace Defense Command has tracked Santa's progress across the globe. To pass the time until Christmas Eve, go to the site and you and your kids can play games and have fun exploring Santa's village! They also have a MAP and a COUNTDOWN! Fun!

A very CLEVER take on our collective COVID situation.....

Yep, we're all in this together. DO SING ALONG!!!  Enjoy! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ymMuCtowLk

 

Santa was born in Tucson, AZ!

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus and he was created in Tucson, AZ! Artist Haddon Sundblom created the well known and well loved image of Santa for the Coca Cola company. 

Sundblom was a frequent visitor to Tucson where he stayed at what is now known as the Westward Look Resort. Sundblom often used the resort owner's two daughters, Laci and Sancy Nason, as his models. In this painting Sundblom transformed little Sancy into a boy so that Coke would appeal to both boys and girls.

Corny Christmas Cactus

I love the crazy ways that Tucsonans decorate their cacti at this time of year! FUN! 
 

'tis the Season!

Even the cactus in Tucson are getting spruced up to wait for Santa's arrival! Actually it is QUITE COLD here now so these hats also serve to protect the cactus from freezing. Both stylish and practical! 
 

Plato said it best: "Know Thyself"

This driver probably isn't on a lot of dinner party guest lists! Large Bore indeed....  Although because we are in Arizona I am guessing he is referring to ammo caliber. But maybe not! 

Santa's Letter Box!

Christmas is just around the corner! My neighbors set up a special bright red mailbox marked "Letters to Santa" so that our neighborhood kids don't even have to go to the post office. Sweet! A little fake snow, a snow globe, elves and VOILA - the festive mood is set! On Dasher, on Dancer.....(can you name them all?).
 

Here's another type of file for the video

 In case the google link didn't work for you, try this.

Please share this with everyone on your lists!

 

This very short video clip is so powerful and inspiring. It puts our COVID world into perspective. If you are a soft touch like me, it might bring tears to your eyes. Please share this widely. Happy THANKSgiving! 

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=026d0f550b&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1684442466301417077&th=1760577fa07a9675&view=att&disp=safe

Lovely Lemon Lift!

Like a breath of spring - a beautiful and lush lemon tree in full bloom. Aren't we lucky in Tucson to have citrus trees in our own back yards? 
 

Artful Message to Stay Safe

I laughed when I saw this COVID-masked sculpture in the art book section of Bookman's on Speedway. The message is clear - stay safe and protect others! 

Flying Donuts - Sweet Relief!

With all of the tension from the recent election I suggest that everyone take a nice, sweet break and have a donut! Isn't the mural on this donut shop fun? Yum! What is your favorite flavor? 

Doggie Door?

 Pretty grand front door, isn't it? And that bottom opening -- doggie door? Package delivery? 

No, not a Candy Cannon!

Clever homeowners in my neighborhood have devised a way to deliver candy in a "contact-less" fashion to any intrepid trick-or-treaters who arrive at their home. They have built this CANDY CHUTE to direct candy and goodies directly into a waiting candy bag. FUN! 
 

A Little Campaign Humor

This election cycle has been so horrible and contentious! I did have to laugh, however, when I saw this campaign sign! 
 

My Totally Upscale Neighborhood

What a delightful surprise to see Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth driving through my neighborhood! As always, she is perfectly coordinated  - matching sunny yellow hat & coat - and she is exuding warmth, dignity, and good manners (all of which seem to be in rather short supply with America's elected leaders these days...). FUN! 
 

Let the Spooky Season Commence!

Yes, it's already OCTOBER -- 'tis the season of witches, goblins, ghosts, and BATS! This is an amazing photo of a Tucson porch bat. Check out the skeletal outline!!

Photo courtesy of George Goldman. 

Emerald City

Magical! This delicate image of a dragonfly was captured at Tucson's Sweetwater Wetlands. 

Photo courtesy of George Goldman. 

We want rain! Truly amazing video - check it out!

 

The excessive heat warnings are getting old. Let's have some RAIN, please! Perhaps we need to do a rain dance for the storms to come. You can help! Just open this video and BE AMAZED! 

Bobcat Siesta

 A neighbor posted this photo of "Bobcats Sleeping on Porch" photo on the NextDoor network. WOW! Imagine opening your front door and find this family there! 

Photo courtesy of LM Grace. 

Tucson's Fiery Sunset

Tucson has been having a heatwave. Our temps are regularly in the 105-108 degree range and I, for one, am sick of it. Where oh where are the monsoons?? Even our sunsets look like they are on fire!

It's official - we're sick of it!

OK - for weeks on end we have had UNRELENTING heat. This is supposed to be our monsoon season! We're starting to call it "Non-soon Season!"  

Garden Visitor

Need something beautiful and amazing? Here you go!

Check out the blooms on this cactus! Beauty for just one day but WOW - what a sight!

Photo courtesy of Ken Wilcox. 

As close as it gets ~ July 23! Comet NEOWISE just 64 million miles away....

If you are interested in the night sky, THIS IS THE TIME TO LOOK UP! Comet NEOWISE makes its closest approach to Earth now -- July 23 -- and will be just 64 million miles away.

Want to see it for yourself but don't know where to look? CLICK HERE

Photo of NEOWISE over the Catalinas courtesy of Dr TIm Hunter. 

Heads up in Tucson! NEOWISE is here!

Stunning Comet #NEOWISE as captured with Tucson's Catalina Mountains as the backdrop. Go here for more info on this sparkling show in Tucson's dawn sky right now. 

Photo courtesy of Dr TIm Hunter

#Planetarysci #PSI #COMETS

Thriving Pod ~

Local Tucson artist Joe Pagac painted this striking whale family at the corner of Campbell and Grant (site of the old Bookmans that was torn down). He was trying to convey a sense of thriving under difficult circumstances -- pretty important now, wouldn't you agree?
#tucsonmurals    #joepagac

Imperious and Terrifying and Plain old Annoyed ~

Viewing these magnificent owls from left to right I think that the one furthest left looks like it is wearing an elegant clock thrown around its shoulders. The middle owl gets the prize for "Best Terrifying Stare" and the one on the right...? Well, looks like it gets the "Best Grumpy Face" award. What do you think?
Photo courtesy of George Goldman. 

Tucson Rocks On!

My neighbors have long been painting inspirational rocks and placing them around the area on walls, in trees and gardens, and within the pocket parks. COVID-19 seemingly has prompted even more rocks to be placed to create a little moment of surprise and joy for anyone who spots one. In just the last week I have found these seven: "Believe," "Smile," "Love," "Kind," "Heart," "Polka Dots" and perhaps the most clever one of all - PIZZA SLICE! And one by one I am placing them for others to find. :)

Even with COVID-19 there can be humor~

A local Tucson Mexican restaurant has made sure their matador and bull sculpture is safe! Ha! 

Tucson's Bighorn Fire continues to burn. Here is a striking photo by a local planetary scientist who captured rising Saturn (center) and Jupiter (above and to the right of Saturn). Scroll to the smaller photo to see these.
Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Kargel. 

Toxic Toad!

Now that the firefighters are making real progress containing the Tucson Bighorn Fire we have another (smaller) issue closer to home. The deadly Colorado/Sonora River Toad has made its appearance in the front yard under the A/C drip pipe.

Dogs can be poisoned (FATALLY POISONED) from the toxins that this toad emits. Here's a help link for info from a vet: http://rollinghillspetclinic.com/blog/2699-rainy-day-doggy-dangers-the-colorado-river-toad

Tucson is Burning ~

Tucson is battling an immense fire right now - the Bighorn Fire. Friends of mine have just been evacuated from their home in the Foothills.
Photo courtesy of Larry Lebofsky.

Shocking Sign of the Times ~

Tucson's iconic Arizona Inn is shuttered for the first time since 1971 as a result of COVID 19. The Inn has been part of the Tucson community for 89 years and to see it boarded up is very sad. A recent news article said that they hoped to reopen in May but they are still closed with an uncertain date for reopening.  

Our enchanting neighborhood!

Imagine the delight to round the corner and find this lovely fairy tale sight! Here is Hana and her two sweet and engaging daughters taking lovely mare Cree for a ride. Hana says Cree's name is Gaelic for "heart" and I THINK she said the spelling is Chroi but I just spelled it phoenetically. What a fun encounter! I love it that every day there can be a wonderful surprise....

AMAZING hummer nest!

This enterprising hummingbird mom built her nest on a string of patio lights! Now everyone knows how tiny those lights are so now you know how tiny the nests are! Wonderful!
Photo courtesy of Mark Sykes. 

Hello, world!

The smallest of the small! Here is a tiny fledgling hummingbird who has been making its first forays from the nest and exploring my front yard. 

Take a break ~

This pretty tiled bench is on one of the walking paths in my neighborhood. It is a very inviting place to stop for a little rest! 

In Memory ~

Have a safe Memorial Day!

Feeling stressed out?

For several weeks local artists have been painting cheerful rocks with lovely images and inspiring messages that are left all around the neighborhood. These little rock "treasures" are meant to be seen, enjoyed, and moved to another location for another lucky pedestrian to spot.

This painted rock is quite different - it is stress personified! Are you feeling stressed too? Take a breath and just hold on. Things will improve! We just don't know exactly when! 

25 Scientists, Thousands of Experiments

A walk on the University of Arizona's mall reveals many pieces of interesting public art. Here is a portion of George Greenamyer's steel sculpture, "25 Scientists" at the entrance to the Henry Koffler Building.
Photo courtesy of Susan Dodson. 

Some Magical Local Color ~

There are so many artists in my neighborhood! The sidewalks are covered with butterflies, bees, dragon flies, flowers....   It lifts my spirits when I see this beauty every day! 

Tucson's T Rex Says, "Wear a Mask!"

Everyone wants to be safe from COVID 19 - even Tucson's fearsome T-Rex! 

Have a wonderful day!

Inspiring Imagery ~

Local Tucson artist Lalo Cota painted this powerful and vibrant mural to celebrate life (breath!). You can view it on Oracle Road near Prince Road. This mural and a few others were sponsored by Banner Health. Read a little more about Lalo here.